Healthy Pasta with Pesto, Tomato, and Broccoli
Try this Healthy Pasta with Pesto, Tomato, and Broccoli recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Healthy Pasta with Pesto, Tomato, and Broccoli recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 cup pasta water
- 2 cups whole wheat or gluten free any shape pasta uncooked
- 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp pesto divided (organic or all natural)
- 2 cups grape tomatoes cut in halves
- 4 cups small broccoli florets
- 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup (2 oz) parmesan cheese shredded
- 1/8 tsp or more red pepper flakes
- Carbohydrate 47.3716592971665 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 15.97030415639 g
- Fiber 15.1525190900535 g
- Protein 15.385638884337 g
- Saturated Fat 2.17463086434145 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (681g)
- Sodium 507.316599158939 mg
- Sugar 32.219140207113 g
- Trans Fat 1.68891562735471 g
- Calories 349 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook pasta as per package instructions, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain and set aside.
- While pasta is cooking, get all ingredients ready.
- Preheat large deep skillet on medium heat and add olive oil and garlic.
- Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
- Add 1 tbsp pesto, tomatoes and stir.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes and stir again.
- Cook another 1-2 minutes.
- Move to one side of the skillet and make sure the empty side is positioned directly over heat.
- Add 1 tbsp pesto and broccoli, stir and cook for 4 minutes, stirring once.
- Remove skillet from heat and add remaining 1/4 cup pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, pasta and pasta water.
- Stir gently and let flavors marinate for a few minutes. Do not cover because broccoli will become a mushy mess.
- I also like to add half the Parmesan cheese in this step and the other half right before serving.
- Serve hot.
A Weeknight Winner: Healthy Pasta with Pesto, Tomato, and Broccoli
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending to-do list, the last thing I want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I rely on quick, easy, and nutritious recipes like this Healthy Pasta with Pesto, Tomato, and Broccoli. This recipe is my go-to when I need a satisfying and flavorful dinner that's on the table in under 30 minutes. It's packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich pasta, and the vibrant burst of flavor from pesto – a perfect combination for a busy weeknight.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. There's no complicated chopping or precise measurements needed. I often prep the ingredients – chopping the tomatoes and broccoli – earlier in the day or even the night before, making the actual cooking process a breeze. The whole wheat pasta adds a hearty texture and fiber, keeping me feeling full and energized. You can easily substitute gluten-free pasta if needed. The pesto, a powerhouse of flavor, provides a vibrant green color and a zesty punch. I love using organic pesto whenever possible, but any high-quality pesto will work. And the cherry on top? The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and a lovely chewy texture that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
This pasta dish is incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add some grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or swap out the broccoli for other vegetables like spinach or zucchini. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless! I often experiment with different types of pasta – sometimes I use rotini, other times penne, depending on what I have on hand. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of creating a healthy and delicious meal for yourself and your family. This recipe is more than just a quick dinner; it's a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It's a meal that makes me feel good, both physically and emotionally, and that's what cooking is all about for me: nourishing my body and soul with delicious, home-cooked food.
Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this recipe is also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Broccoli, often overlooked, is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The grape tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and juiciness, while the sun-dried tomatoes bring a concentrated burst of flavor. This dish is a sneaky way to get your family (and yourself!) to eat more vegetables without even realizing it! And let's be honest, who doesn't love pesto? It's the secret ingredient that elevates this simple pasta dish to something truly extraordinary. The vibrant green sauce not only adds a beautiful color but also contributes a rich, savory flavor that balances perfectly with the other elements.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its adaptability. I've made it countless times, and each time it's slightly different, reflecting the ingredients I have on hand and my current mood. Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth, other times I use a different type of cheese. The key is to not be afraid to experiment and make it your own. It’s a great recipe to share with friends and family, too. The simple yet flavorful combination is a crowd-pleaser, and it's always a hit at potlucks and gatherings. The best part is that everyone can customize their bowl with their preferred amount of cheese and spice level, ensuring everyone enjoys their perfect portion.
Ultimately, this Healthy Pasta with Pesto, Tomato, and Broccoli recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a reminder that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's about finding simple, delicious ways to nourish yourself and your loved ones, even amidst the chaos of everyday life. So, the next time you're short on time but craving a satisfying and healthy dinner, reach for this recipe. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
